used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading At nightfall, on an autumnal evening, when the stars were just beginning to twinkle overhead like diamonds on a canopy of azure, two young men were standing together, engaged in conversation on the steps of the Black Eagle, a fashionable hotel in one of the principal streets of the gay and celebrated city of Vienna.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading "So, all is completed at the ministry of war, except the signature of the commission, and the payment of the purchase money?" said the soldier.
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading "And to-morrow, then," continued the hussar, "I am to congratulate you on the command of a company, and salute you as Captain Ernest Walstein."
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading At nightfall, on an autumnal evening, when the stars were just beginning to twinkle overhead like diamonds on a canopy of azure, two young men were standing together, engaged in conversation on the steps of the Black Eagle, a fashionable hotel in one of the principal streets of the gay and celebrated city of Vienna.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading At nightfall, on an autumnal evening, when the stars were just beginning to twinkle overhead like diamonds on a canopy of azure, two young men were standing together, engaged in conversation on the steps of the Black Eagle, a fashionable hotel in one of the principal streets of the gay and celebrated city of Vienna.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading "And to-morrow, then," continued the hussar, "I am to congratulate you on the command of a company, and salute you as Captain Ernest Walstein."
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At nightfall, on an autumnal evening, when the stars were just beginning to twinkle overhead like diamonds on a canopy of azure, two young men were standing together, engaged in conversation on the steps of the Black Eagle, a fashionable hotel in one of the principal streets of the gay and celebrated city of Vienna.
AustriannounUS /ˈɔːstriən/
a native or inhabitant of Austria
From this reading One of them wore the rich uniform of an Austrian hussar; the other was clad in the civic costume of a gentleman.
autumnaladjectiveUS /ɔːˈtʌmnəl/
of or characteristic of or occurring in autumn
From this reading At nightfall, on an autumnal evening, when the stars were just beginning to twinkle overhead like diamonds on a canopy of azure, two young men were standing together, engaged in conversation on the steps of the Black Eagle, a fashionable hotel in one of the principal streets of the gay and celebrated city of Vienna.
azurenounUS /ˈæʒər/
a light shade of blue
From this reading At nightfall, on an autumnal evening, when the stars were just beginning to twinkle overhead like diamonds on a canopy of azure, two young men were standing together, engaged in conversation on the steps of the Black Eagle, a fashionable hotel in one of the principal streets of the gay and celebrated city of Vienna.
the event consisting of the start of something
From this reading At nightfall, on an autumnal evening, when the stars were just beginning to twinkle overhead like diamonds on a canopy of azure, two young men were standing together, engaged in conversation on the steps of the Black Eagle, a fashionable hotel in one of the principal streets of the gay and celebrated city of Vienna.
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading At nightfall, on an autumnal evening, when the stars were just beginning to twinkle overhead like diamonds on a canopy of azure, two young men were standing together, engaged in conversation on the steps of the Black Eagle, a fashionable hotel in one of the principal streets of the gay and celebrated city of Vienna.
canopynounUS /ˈkæn.ə.pi/
An overhead roof or structure, such as the high vaulted ceiling of an ancient library.
From this reading At nightfall, on an autumnal evening, when the stars were just beginning to twinkle overhead like diamonds on a canopy of azure, two young men were standing together, engaged in conversation on the steps of the Black Eagle, a fashionable hotel in one of the principal streets of the gay and celebrated city of Vienna.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading "And to-morrow, then," continued the hussar, "I am to congratulate you on the command of a company, and salute you as Captain Ernest Walstein."
celebratedadjectiveUS /ˈseləbreɪtɪd/
widely known and esteemed
From this reading At nightfall, on an autumnal evening, when the stars were just beginning to twinkle overhead like diamonds on a canopy of azure, two young men were standing together, engaged in conversation on the steps of the Black Eagle, a fashionable hotel in one of the principal streets of the gay and celebrated city of Vienna.
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading At nightfall, on an autumnal evening, when the stars were just beginning to twinkle overhead like diamonds on a canopy of azure, two young men were standing together, engaged in conversation on the steps of the Black Eagle, a fashionable hotel in one of the principal streets of the gay and celebrated city of Vienna.
civicadjectiveUS /ˈsɪvɪk/
of or relating or belonging to a city
From this reading One of them wore the rich uniform of an Austrian hussar; the other was clad in the civic costume of a gentleman.
cladadjectiveUS /klæd/
wearing or provided with clothing; sometimes used in combination
From this reading One of them wore the rich uniform of an Austrian hussar; the other was clad in the civic costume of a gentleman.
an authoritative direction or instruction to do something
From this reading "And to-morrow, then," continued the hussar, "I am to congratulate you on the command of a company, and salute you as Captain Ernest Walstein."
commissionnounUS /kəˈmɪʃən/
a special group delegated to consider some matter
From this reading "So, all is completed at the ministry of war, except the signature of the commission, and the payment of the purchase money?" said the soldier.
an institution created to conduct business
From this reading "And to-morrow, then," continued the hussar, "I am to congratulate you on the command of a company, and salute you as Captain Ernest Walstein."
completedadjectiveUS /kəmˈpliːtəd/
successfully completed or brought to an end
From this reading "So, all is completed at the ministry of war, except the signature of the commission, and the payment of the purchase money?" said the soldier.
congratulateverbUS /kənˈɡrætʃəleɪt/
say something to someone that expresses praise
From this reading "And to-morrow, then," continued the hussar, "I am to congratulate you on the command of a company, and salute you as Captain Ernest Walstein."
without stop or interruption
From this reading "And to-morrow, then," continued the hussar, "I am to congratulate you on the command of a company, and salute you as Captain Ernest Walstein."
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading At nightfall, on an autumnal evening, when the stars were just beginning to twinkle overhead like diamonds on a canopy of azure, two young men were standing together, engaged in conversation on the steps of the Black Eagle, a fashionable hotel in one of the principal streets of the gay and celebrated city of Vienna.
costumenounUS /kɑːˈstuːm/
the attire worn in a play or at a fancy dress ball
From this reading One of them wore the rich uniform of an Austrian hussar; the other was clad in the civic costume of a gentleman.
diamondsnounUS /ˈdaɪməndz/
plural of “diamond” — a transparent piece of diamond that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem
From this reading At nightfall, on an autumnal evening, when the stars were just beginning to twinkle overhead like diamonds on a canopy of azure, two young men were standing together, engaged in conversation on the steps of the Black Eagle, a fashionable hotel in one of the principal streets of the gay and celebrated city of Vienna.
EaglenounUS /ˈiːɡəl/
any of various large keen-sighted diurnal birds of prey noted for their broad wings and strong soaring flight
From this reading At nightfall, on an autumnal evening, when the stars were just beginning to twinkle overhead like diamonds on a canopy of azure, two young men were standing together, engaged in conversation on the steps of the Black Eagle, a fashionable hotel in one of the principal streets of the gay and celebrated city of Vienna.
having ones attention or mind or energy engaged
From this reading At nightfall, on an autumnal evening, when the stars were just beginning to twinkle overhead like diamonds on a canopy of azure, two young men were standing together, engaged in conversation on the steps of the Black Eagle, a fashionable hotel in one of the principal streets of the gay and celebrated city of Vienna.
Ernest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "And to-morrow, then," continued the hussar, "I am to congratulate you on the command of a company, and salute you as Captain Ernest Walstein."
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading At nightfall, on an autumnal evening, when the stars were just beginning to twinkle overhead like diamonds on a canopy of azure, two young men were standing together, engaged in conversation on the steps of the Black Eagle, a fashionable hotel in one of the principal streets of the gay and celebrated city of Vienna.
indicating exactness or preciseness
From this reading "Exactly so."
apart from; not including
From this reading "So, all is completed at the ministry of war, except the signature of the commission, and the payment of the purchase money?" said the soldier.
fashionableadjectiveUS /ˈfæʃənəbəl/
being or in accordance with current social fashions
From this reading At nightfall, on an autumnal evening, when the stars were just beginning to twinkle overhead like diamonds on a canopy of azure, two young men were standing together, engaged in conversation on the steps of the Black Eagle, a fashionable hotel in one of the principal streets of the gay and celebrated city of Vienna.
bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer
From this reading At nightfall, on an autumnal evening, when the stars were just beginning to twinkle overhead like diamonds on a canopy of azure, two young men were standing together, engaged in conversation on the steps of the Black Eagle, a fashionable hotel in one of the principal streets of the gay and celebrated city of Vienna.
a man of refinement
From this reading One of them wore the rich uniform of an Austrian hussar; the other was clad in the civic costume of a gentleman.
a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services
From this reading At nightfall, on an autumnal evening, when the stars were just beginning to twinkle overhead like diamonds on a canopy of azure, two young men were standing together, engaged in conversation on the steps of the Black Eagle, a fashionable hotel in one of the principal streets of the gay and celebrated city of Vienna.
hussarnounUS /ˈhʌsər/
a member of a European light cavalry unit; renowned for elegant dress
From this reading One of them wore the rich uniform of an Austrian hussar; the other was clad in the civic costume of a gentleman.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "And to-morrow, then," continued the hussar, "I am to congratulate you on the command of a company, and salute you as Captain Ernest Walstein."
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading At nightfall, on an autumnal evening, when the stars were just beginning to twinkle overhead like diamonds on a canopy of azure, two young men were standing together, engaged in conversation on the steps of the Black Eagle, a fashionable hotel in one of the principal streets of the gay and celebrated city of Vienna.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "So, all is completed at the ministry of war, except the signature of the commission, and the payment of the purchase money?" said the soldier.
and nothing more
From this reading At nightfall, on an autumnal evening, when the stars were just beginning to twinkle overhead like diamonds on a canopy of azure, two young men were standing together, engaged in conversation on the steps of the Black Eagle, a fashionable hotel in one of the principal streets of the gay and celebrated city of Vienna.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading At nightfall, on an autumnal evening, when the stars were just beginning to twinkle overhead like diamonds on a canopy of azure, two young men were standing together, engaged in conversation on the steps of the Black Eagle, a fashionable hotel in one of the principal streets of the gay and celebrated city of Vienna.
the force of workers available
From this reading At nightfall, on an autumnal evening, when the stars were just beginning to twinkle overhead like diamonds on a canopy of azure, two young men were standing together, engaged in conversation on the steps of the Black Eagle, a fashionable hotel in one of the principal streets of the gay and celebrated city of Vienna.
ministrynounUS /ˈmɪnəstri/
religious ministers collectively (especially Presbyterian)
From this reading "So, all is completed at the ministry of war, except the signature of the commission, and the payment of the purchase money?" said the soldier.
the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender
From this reading "So, all is completed at the ministry of war, except the signature of the commission, and the payment of the purchase money?" said the soldier.
nightfallnounUS /ˈnaɪtfɔːl/
the time of day immediately following sunset
From this reading At nightfall, on an autumnal evening, when the stars were just beginning to twinkle overhead like diamonds on a canopy of azure, two young men were standing together, engaged in conversation on the steps of the Black Eagle, a fashionable hotel in one of the principal streets of the gay and celebrated city of Vienna.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading At nightfall, on an autumnal evening, when the stars were just beginning to twinkle overhead like diamonds on a canopy of azure, two young men were standing together, engaged in conversation on the steps of the Black Eagle, a fashionable hotel in one of the principal streets of the gay and celebrated city of Vienna.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading At nightfall, on an autumnal evening, when the stars were just beginning to twinkle overhead like diamonds on a canopy of azure, two young men were standing together, engaged in conversation on the steps of the Black Eagle, a fashionable hotel in one of the principal streets of the gay and celebrated city of Vienna.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading At nightfall, on an autumnal evening, when the stars were just beginning to twinkle overhead like diamonds on a canopy of azure, two young men were standing together, engaged in conversation on the steps of the Black Eagle, a fashionable hotel in one of the principal streets of the gay and celebrated city of Vienna.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading One of them wore the rich uniform of an Austrian hussar; the other was clad in the civic costume of a gentleman.
overheadadverbUS /ˈoʊvərˈhed/
above your head; in the sky
From this reading At nightfall, on an autumnal evening, when the stars were just beginning to twinkle overhead like diamonds on a canopy of azure, two young men were standing together, engaged in conversation on the steps of the Black Eagle, a fashionable hotel in one of the principal streets of the gay and celebrated city of Vienna.
paymentnounUS /ˈpeɪmənt/
a sum of money paid or a claim discharged
From this reading "So, all is completed at the ministry of war, except the signature of the commission, and the payment of the purchase money?" said the soldier.
the original amount of a debt on which interest is calculated
From this reading At nightfall, on an autumnal evening, when the stars were just beginning to twinkle overhead like diamonds on a canopy of azure, two young men were standing together, engaged in conversation on the steps of the Black Eagle, a fashionable hotel in one of the principal streets of the gay and celebrated city of Vienna.
purchasenounUS /ˈpɜːrtʃəs/
the acquisition of something for payment
From this reading "So, all is completed at the ministry of war, except the signature of the commission, and the payment of the purchase money?" said the soldier.
possessing material wealth
From this reading One of them wore the rich uniform of an Austrian hussar; the other was clad in the civic costume of a gentleman.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "So, all is completed at the ministry of war, except the signature of the commission, and the payment of the purchase money?" said the soldier.
saluteverbUS /səˈluːt/
propose a toast to
From this reading "And to-morrow, then," continued the hussar, "I am to congratulate you on the command of a company, and salute you as Captain Ernest Walstein."
signaturenounUS /ˈsɪɡnətʃər/
your name written in your own handwriting
From this reading "So, all is completed at the ministry of war, except the signature of the commission, and the payment of the purchase money?" said the soldier.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading "So, all is completed at the ministry of war, except the signature of the commission, and the payment of the purchase money?" said the soldier.
an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army
From this reading "So, all is completed at the ministry of war, except the signature of the commission, and the payment of the purchase money?" said the soldier.
having a supporting base
From this reading At nightfall, on an autumnal evening, when the stars were just beginning to twinkle overhead like diamonds on a canopy of azure, two young men were standing together, engaged in conversation on the steps of the Black Eagle, a fashionable hotel in one of the principal streets of the gay and celebrated city of Vienna.
plural of “star” — (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior
From this reading At nightfall, on an autumnal evening, when the stars were just beginning to twinkle overhead like diamonds on a canopy of azure, two young men were standing together, engaged in conversation on the steps of the Black Eagle, a fashionable hotel in one of the principal streets of the gay and celebrated city of Vienna.
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading At nightfall, on an autumnal evening, when the stars were just beginning to twinkle overhead like diamonds on a canopy of azure, two young men were standing together, engaged in conversation on the steps of the Black Eagle, a fashionable hotel in one of the principal streets of the gay and celebrated city of Vienna.
plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading At nightfall, on an autumnal evening, when the stars were just beginning to twinkle overhead like diamonds on a canopy of azure, two young men were standing together, engaged in conversation on the steps of the Black Eagle, a fashionable hotel in one of the principal streets of the gay and celebrated city of Vienna.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading At nightfall, on an autumnal evening, when the stars were just beginning to twinkle overhead like diamonds on a canopy of azure, two young men were standing together, engaged in conversation on the steps of the Black Eagle, a fashionable hotel in one of the principal streets of the gay and celebrated city of Vienna.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading One of them wore the rich uniform of an Austrian hussar; the other was clad in the civic costume of a gentleman.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading "And to-morrow, then," continued the hussar, "I am to congratulate you on the command of a company, and salute you as Captain Ernest Walstein."
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading At nightfall, on an autumnal evening, when the stars were just beginning to twinkle overhead like diamonds on a canopy of azure, two young men were standing together, engaged in conversation on the steps of the Black Eagle, a fashionable hotel in one of the principal streets of the gay and celebrated city of Vienna.
to-morrow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "And to-morrow, then," continued the hussar, "I am to congratulate you on the command of a company, and salute you as Captain Ernest Walstein."
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading At nightfall, on an autumnal evening, when the stars were just beginning to twinkle overhead like diamonds on a canopy of azure, two young men were standing together, engaged in conversation on the steps of the Black Eagle, a fashionable hotel in one of the principal streets of the gay and celebrated city of Vienna.
twinkleverbUS /ˈtwɪŋkəl/
gleam or glow intermittently
From this reading At nightfall, on an autumnal evening, when the stars were just beginning to twinkle overhead like diamonds on a canopy of azure, two young men were standing together, engaged in conversation on the steps of the Black Eagle, a fashionable hotel in one of the principal streets of the gay and celebrated city of Vienna.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading At nightfall, on an autumnal evening, when the stars were just beginning to twinkle overhead like diamonds on a canopy of azure, two young men were standing together, engaged in conversation on the steps of the Black Eagle, a fashionable hotel in one of the principal streets of the gay and celebrated city of Vienna.
uniformadjectiveUS /ˈjuːnəfɔːrm/
always the same; showing a single form or character in all occurrences
From this reading One of them wore the rich uniform of an Austrian hussar; the other was clad in the civic costume of a gentleman.
ViennanounUS /viˈenə/
the capital and largest city of Austria; located on the Danube in northeastern Austria; was the home of Beethoven and Brahms and Haydn and Mozart and Schubert and Strauss
From this reading At nightfall, on an autumnal evening, when the stars were just beginning to twinkle overhead like diamonds on a canopy of azure, two young men were standing together, engaged in conversation on the steps of the Black Eagle, a fashionable hotel in one of the principal streets of the gay and celebrated city of Vienna.
Walstein
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "And to-morrow, then," continued the hussar, "I am to congratulate you on the command of a company, and salute you as Captain Ernest Walstein."
the waging of armed conflict against an enemy
From this reading "So, all is completed at the ministry of war, except the signature of the commission, and the payment of the purchase money?" said the soldier.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading One of them wore the rich uniform of an Austrian hussar; the other was clad in the civic costume of a gentleman.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading At nightfall, on an autumnal evening, when the stars were just beginning to twinkle overhead like diamonds on a canopy of azure, two young men were standing together, engaged in conversation on the steps of the Black Eagle, a fashionable hotel in one of the principal streets of the gay and celebrated city of Vienna.
at the time that
From this reading At nightfall, on an autumnal evening, when the stars were just beginning to twinkle overhead like diamonds on a canopy of azure, two young men were standing together, engaged in conversation on the steps of the Black Eagle, a fashionable hotel in one of the principal streets of the gay and celebrated city of Vienna.
inflected form of “wear” — be dressed in
From this reading One of them wore the rich uniform of an Austrian hussar; the other was clad in the civic costume of a gentleman.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "And to-morrow, then," continued the hussar, "I am to congratulate you on the command of a company, and salute you as Captain Ernest Walstein."
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading At nightfall, on an autumnal evening, when the stars were just beginning to twinkle overhead like diamonds on a canopy of azure, two young men were standing together, engaged in conversation on the steps of the Black Eagle, a fashionable hotel in one of the principal streets of the gay and celebrated city of Vienna.
